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Mapping Shade Availability and Use in Zoo Environments: A Tool for Evaluating Thermal Comfort
Jason D Wark1, Natasha K Wierzal1, Katherine A Cronin1
1Animal Welfare Science Program, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago, IL 60614, USA.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|July 18, 2020
Summary
Zoo shade availability is crucial for heat-sensitive animals. This study presents a low-cost method to assess shade in enclosures, finding significant variation and demonstrating its importance for species like the Sichuan takin.
Area of Science:
- Zoological research
- Animal welfare science
- Environmental enrichment
Background:
- Shade is a critical environmental resource for zoo animals, especially megafauna susceptible to heat stress.
- Limited research has focused on shade availability compared to other zoo environment aspects.
- Understanding shade dynamics is vital for improving enclosure design and animal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a simple, low-cost method for documenting shade availability in zoo enclosures.
- To assess shade availability across 33 diverse zoo enclosures.
- To investigate the relationship between shade availability, enclosure use, and shade-seeking behavior in Sichuan takin.
Main Methods:
- Developed and applied a low-cost approach to quantify shade availability in 33 zoo enclosures.
- Conducted behavioral observations of enclosure use and shade-seeking behavior in Sichuan takin.
- Compared takin behavior before and after the installation of a shade sail.
Main Results:
- Significant variation in shade availability was observed across enclosures, ranging from 22% to 85% shaded space.
- Shade availability fluctuated daily, with minimal shade during midday.
- Sichuan takin utilized existing shaded areas and newly provided shade from an installed shade sail.
Conclusions:
- The developed methods are practical for assessing shade in existing and new zoo enclosures.
- Shade availability is a dynamic resource influenced by time of day and season.
- Improving shade provision can enhance animal welfare by supporting thermoregulation and natural behaviors.
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